STING (written by Darby for The Players Tribune)

[ASYLUMHAUSEN]

www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/darby-allin-sting-aew-wrestling

[Cyno]

I don't think it's really hit me yet that we're near the end of an era.

Great read by Darby. Sting has got to be one of the most humble big names in wrestling history. It really does feel like this run has been as much about putting over Darby and their opponents as much as celebrating the Icon himself.

[Facetious]

That was a lovely read. Darby is so good at writing. I'd honestly love a book from him in the next few years.

[This Player Hating Mothman]

AEW PPV on the horizon, which meant we were due one of these

[Kalmia]

In a few years time (and presuming these articles continue) I hope they put out a book that has all of the pieces written by AEW wrestlers because they're all so good and so different. Allin's is shorter and more to the point than most, but still good.

[Ronny Rayguns Is All Elite]

I just realized, Darby and Sting is like if Jesse from Breaking Bad found a legitimately wholesome older role model instead of Walter white

[Soultastic]

And now I'm even more excited for sunday.

[Wieners=$$$]

[A Platypus Rave]

Feb 27, 2024 14:08:33 GMT -5 Cyno said:

I don't think it's really hit me yet that we're near the end of an era.

Part of it is because Wrestling Retirements almost never last... Hell Sting's already retired once himself.

That said I do think that this is probably it for Sting though, he is getting to go out on his own terms instead of the freak accident that happened last time.

[khali]

Darby is absolutely right. How many guys have truly gotten a good ending in wrestling? Almost none. Either they unretire or their career was forced to end due to injury or something and no one knew it was their last match.

Sting’s AEW run is one of the best things in wrestling history, and it’s so wonderful that he’s getting the retirement he deserves. He was my favorite as a kid, I had a little tiny child size Sting shirt. It’s meant a lot to see this, and I will be emotional watching his last match.

[Xxcjb01xX [PIECE OF: SH-]]

"So many guys end their careers on the worst possible note. Either the business embarrasses them, or they embarrass it, or both. It’s depressing."

This part really stands out especially after tonight. Watching Ric Flair's horrible segment where he shambled out there and looked well, embarrassing tonight, vs Sting's moment on Dynamite, where everyone popped, everyone was excited, it's the end, but... everyone's happy it's going out on the best note possible, that Sting is going out on the best note possible.

Because as Ric Flair proved Darby's quote correct, it's depressing how it usually goes.

[Ryushinku]

Thanks for the link, really good words from Darby there.

I've been a Stinger mark since 1993. His career is coming to an end in just days now. But, the legacy is always there. Decades of matches and moments to still enjoy, and those careers that carry on that have been touched and improved by him.

Hope it's a good match to go out on, I believe it will be.

[fortknox]

Closing Time For Sting

www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/closing-time-for-sting

[thecrusherwi]

"I didn’t just get to meet a hero, I got to find out he’s a hero worth having."

What a line.

[Starshine]

When I was a kid Sting was my favourite. Just by pure happenstance, I had the luck to happen to be live at the Mania he wrestled at which was neat. I'm also really glad that after all these years, he's one of the few wrestlers I was a big time genuine fan of who didn't end up being a dipshit... That probably should be faint praise, but we all know what pro wrestling is.

[Soultastic]

Feb 29, 2024 17:20:15 GMT -5 Starshine said:

When I was a kid Sting was my favourite. Just by pure happenstance, I had the luck to happen to be live at the Mania he wrestled at which was neat. I'm also really glad that after all these years, he's one of the few wrestlers I was a big time genuine fan of who didn't end up being a dipshit... That probably should be faint praise, but we all know what pro wrestling is.

Sometimes all you can ask for is to not have reasons to be mad at your heroes.

[Mochi Lone Wolf]

It feels good to have a childhood wrestling hero who will leave as one.

[MrElijah]

Mar 3, 2024 8:57:19 GMT -5 Mochi Lone Wolf said:

It feels good to have a childhood wrestling hero who will leave as one.

Crazy to think that Sting is the last major guy from his generation of wrestlers.

[TOK Hehe'd Around & Found Out]

Mar 3, 2024 10:26:07 GMT -5 MrElijah said:

Mar 3, 2024 8:57:19 GMT -5 Mochi Lone Wolf said:

It feels good to have a childhood wrestling hero who will leave as one.

Crazy to think that Sting is the last major guy from his generation of wrestlers.

Heck, he's outlasted most of the guys from the generation after him too. And he's still one of the most beloved figures in the industry.

[Kalmia]

I think this is a good thread to just praise all round how AEW have dealt with Sting's retirement. This piece, the video packages, the messages for Sting, and letting him choose his own ending is exactly how a legend like Sting should go out. Not every retirement needs all of this, but Sting's definitely warrants it.